Worst floods in Benin in 50 years

According to aid agencies, 680,000 people
have been affected by last month's floods in Benin, west Africa. More than 50 people have been killed and more than 55,000 homes have been damaged or destroyed. Farms and schools have also been badly damaged. The government of Benin has declared a national emergency and asked for international help.
Care International is one of the NGOs responding by providing clean drinking water, shelter, mosquito nets and food to people affected by the floods

Wednesday 3 November 2010 06.27 EDT
First published on Wednesday 3 November 2010 06.27 EDT

Last month, heavy rains flooded parts of west and central Africa. Benin was among the worst hit. The Ouémé river spilled its banks. These images show the coast of Benin on 22 October 2010 (left) and 26 October 2009 (right). Although clouds partially obscure the view, striking differences are still discernible. The river and its tributaries are swollen in the more recent image

Organisations like Care International are responding to the crisis with funding from the UK's Department for International Development's
West Africa humanitarian response fund. Care is handing out supplies of drinking water, hygiene kits, shelter, mosquito nets, cooking kits and emergency food at aid stationsPhotograph: Loetitia Raymond/Care